First Descent: Comoros is a joint scientific mission between the Government of the Comoros, Nekton, and WILDOCEANS, undertaken under the R-POC (Renforcement de la Protection des Océans aux Comores – Strengthening Ocean Protection in Comoros) programme. An international team of scientists and Comorian researchers will conduct the nation’s first systematic survey from the surface to 900 metres, exploring one of the most biodiverse and least studied marine regions on Earth—the waters of the Mozambique Channel.
The mission aims to expand knowledge of Comoros’ ocean life, including the first Comorian-led research into the ancient coelacanth (“Gombessa”), a 410-million-year-old species central to the nation’s cultural identity. Findings will directly support Comoros’ commitment to protect 30% of its waters by 2030 and strengthen national strategies for sustainable ocean management.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment, Union of the Comoros, Abdourahaman Ali Mroivili noted: “We want this expedition to be a decision-making tool, a lever for creating marine protected areas, and a strong signal ahead of COP30 in Brazil.”
Using advanced technologies including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), baited camera systems, and seabed mapping, the mission will reveal ecosystems that have never been seen before. Each discovery will help guide marine protection, inform global local biodiversity science, and spotlight the leadership of a small island nation addressing its ocean crisis.
